[Source: Your Therapy Source] This is great!!! – A picture says a thousand words but head on over to YourTherapySource for more details and uses for this simple adapted straw holder.
Low-tech assistive technology (AT) and adaptations are cheap and easy strategies that families and professionals can use to increase their children’s participation in daily activities and routines.…
DIY does not only refer to crafts and handmade solutions, but also being able to complete day to day tasks independently.This post focuses on handmade solutions
Enhance dining experiences with DIY eating utensil adaptations! Discover solutions for arthritis, arm or hand weakness, limb differences, and other disabilities. From built-up handles to weighted utensils and molded grips, empower independence at mealtimes with customized silverware modifications.
Stylus Adaptations The last post featured commercially available adapted styluses available on the market for purchase. Here are some suggestions on methods of adapting styluses for individuals wit…
A recent inquiry on adaptive styluses piqued by interest. It has been a while since I scoured the market for adaptive styluses so it appeared to be time to find what else is out there. Here are my …
Stylus Adaptations The last post featured commercially available adapted styluses available on the market for purchase. Here are some suggestions on methods of adapting styluses for individuals wit…
Stylus Adaptations The last post featured commercially available adapted styluses available on the market for purchase. Here are some suggestions on methods of adapting styluses for individuals wit…
Stylus Adaptations The last post featured commercially available adapted styluses available on the market for purchase. Here are some suggestions on methods of adapting styluses for individuals wit…
I was working with a preschooler and he noticed this pencil in my (over-flowing) pencil box and wanted to try it out. This student has cerebral palsy and since his grasp on a regular crayon is one of those grasps best described as "funky" (see below), this Y-shaped pencil worked fairly well for him. There were a few problems with the pencil: 1) it was too big for his hand and 2) a crayon would be a more appropriate than a pencil for a 4 year old. I couldn't find any crayons for purchase that are similar to the Y-shaped pencil, so I decided to create my own. I want to preface this how-to with the disclaimer that I don't typically use any sort of adaptations or pencil grips for children this young. I prefer to give preschoolers very short crayons and develop their fine motor skills, rather than provide adaptations. With that said, each child is unique, and that's why I adapted this crayon for this particular child. I used Crayola Air-Dry Clay to form the base of the crayon. I then placed half of a crayon in the tip of the clay to create this crayon (the air-dry clay takes 1-2 days to dry). He loves his new crayon! This is a work in progress, so I'm still trying to figure out an easy way to swap out the crayon, so he can color with more than one color :) Any suggestions?
Discover the importance of cost-effective home modifications for older adults. Explore examples of effective high tech solutions for your OT practice!
Crafting assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities requires innovation, resourcefulness, and a little hands-on magic. Moldable materials play a key role, shaping solutions from grip-enhancing paintbrushes to build-up buttons. In this post, discover five unique moldable materials for DIY assistive technology projects. Whether you're a seasoned specialist or a novice, explore the world of moldable materials with products like Sugru and FixIts to unleash your creative potential.
Augmentative communication (AAC for short) is an alternative way to help students and adults with language disorders use expressive language or receptive language. Augmentative communication can be accomplished through assistive technology devices such as computers or hand held devices.
Touch screens have revolutionized the way we interact with technology, from smartphones and tablets to interactive kiosks and ATMs. However, for individuals with physical impairments, visual deficits, dexterity issues, or other disabilities, using touch screens can be frustrating or even impossible without the right set up. This post offers numerous adaptations for personal touch screen devices, including stylus modifications, accessibility tips, and other DIY modifications.
Empower independence with DIY grip aids and adaptations for people with hand weakness. From built-up handles to weighted grips, discover six types of customizations using various materials. Powered by biomechanical insights, dive into the world of DIY assistive tech and create some handy solutions for people with disabilities.
Empower independence with DIY grip aids and adaptations for people with hand weakness. From built-up handles to weighted grips, discover six types of customizations using various materials. Powered by biomechanical insights, dive into the world of DIY assistive tech and create some handy solutions for people with disabilities.
The terms “assistive technology” and “adaptive technology” can both be used to refer to items that make tasks easier for people with disabilities.
I am becoming more and more cynical and curmudgeonly as I age. Primarily it has to do with "the public out there." Rude drivers, obnoxious people, outrageous prices on products, lack of respect . . . the list goes on. We're breeding a society of "gimmee" people. Gimmee this. Gimmee that. Last week I went to the pharmacy, looking for a device that helps old people pull on their socks. I don't consider myself old, but I do have a bad hip, and while I can cross my left leg over my right knee to put on a sock, I can't do that with my right leg. It's been that way all my life, but as I've aged, it's gotten so bad that it's very painful trying to put a sock on my right foot. So I paid $18 for a cheap sock aid that is next to worthless. I went back and looked at their other sock aids. They had one other brand, at an utterly ridiculous $32. We're not talking rocket science, folks. A sock aid is basically just a tube with straps attached. The top of the tube is open. You slide your sock onto the tube, stick your foot into the opening, and pull up on the straps. It pulls the sock onto your foot and slides free from the sock. No way was I going to pay $32 for a piece of plastic with straps. So I made my own. I took an old plastic 2-cup measuring cup and cut off the bottom, sliced off the handle and upper part of the tube, made a slit on either side for the straps, and voila! It cost me nothing--I had all the materials. And because it's rigid plastic, I can wipe off the hand lotion that I often use on my dry feet. That's my homemade sock aid, below. The sock aid I'd bought isn't rigid plastic, so putting a sock on it is an exercise in frustration. And because it's lined with cloth (whose bright idea was that?), lotion gets all over the lining. So now I have a perfectly decent sock aid, and retailers who charge a fortune for an item that probably cost 5 cents to make, can go suck someone's toe!
Happy OT Month! To kick off a month of celebrating the great work of occupational therapists, today I'd like to share some OT blogs that I think are pretty awesome. Please take a minute to visit these great blogs and support the hard work that is being done by these occupational therapists. Mama OT | Christie is an OT and a mama. On her blog she shares tips and tricks for those who care for children. She often has fantastic guest posts from experts in child development. Therapy Fun Zone | Tonya is a pediatric occupational therapist with experience working a variety of settings. Tonya has a wealth of information on her blog and website, including printables and a Therapy Fun Store. OT Notes | Cheryl is one of the original OT bloggers and has even presented on social media at the AOTA Conference. She is currently on maternity leave from her blog, but she does post occasionally and there is a ton of great content in her archives. Embrace Your Chaos | Dana blogs about encouraging child development, while dealing with the chaos of parenthood. She often shares cute crafts with an OT twist that she has completed with her daughter. MAC&Toys | Meghan is a pediatric occupational therapist in New York City. On her blog, she shares toys, books, games, and apps that are therapist and children approved. Miss Awesomeness | Karen is another pioneer in OT blogging. She began blogging as an OT student and continued to document her journey as she transitioned to practitioner. She is now taking another big step into independent consulting. OT's with Apps | Looking for good apps to use in therapy? Look no further than Carol's blog. OT's with Apps shares reviews of iPad apps and accessories, and maintains an up to date list of apps by occupational performance. Miss Mancy's Blog | Nancy (also known as Miss Mancy) shares therapeutic crafts and activities and categorizes activities by the skills they address. She also has a shop with fine motor and handwriting tools, as well as craft kits Tell me, what OT blogs would you add to this list?
The terms “assistive technology” and “adaptive technology” can both be used to refer to items that make tasks easier for people with disabilities.
How I reduced the amount of bruises I got from running into objects due to my low vision. A great orientation and mobility hack to help make rooms more safe.
Empower independence with DIY grip aids and adaptations for people with hand weakness. From built-up handles to weighted grips, discover six types of customizations using various materials. Powered by biomechanical insights, dive into the world of DIY assistive tech and create some handy solutions for people with disabilities.
Kitchen ideas for aging in place. Increase usability, safety & enjoyment of this space for seniors & elderly. Comprehensive list of kitchen ideas.
The terms “assistive technology” and “adaptive technology” can both be used to refer to items that make tasks easier for people with disabilities.
Discover DIY push button adaptations for sensory and dexterity needs. This guide provides insights into materials and techniques for simple modifications to help people with disabilities, such as increased surface area, enhanced texture, and color coding. Explore materials like polymer clay, thermoplastic beads, and more low-tech assistive technology options to create the best customized solutions.
How older Americans are reimagining household objects from soap to straws to make their lives easier
Stabilizing materials prevent items from sliding or slipping while in use. Individuals with tremors, ataxia, incoordination, and arm weakness can particularly
Crafting assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities requires innovation, resourcefulness, and a little hands-on magic. Moldable materials play a key role, shaping solutions from grip-enhancing paintbrushes to build-up buttons. In this post, discover five unique moldable materials for DIY assistive technology projects. Whether you're a seasoned specialist or a novice, explore the world of moldable materials with products like Sugru and FixIts to unleash your creative potential.
For 30+ years, we have offered the best in special needs & assistive devices from toys & communicators to sensory devices & more. Shop online today!
Zipper Pull, Loop Adaptation: This instuctable is a Daily living aid for a quadriplegic, a person with arthritics, carpal tunnel, finger amputee or anyone with a hand disability. The zipper loop makes it easier to zip zippers. This adaptation can be used on any zipper with a hol…
Speak with anyone that is disable and you will find that there are obstacles that still hinder them from doing all the things they are capable of doing for themselves. Assistive Technology for the Disabled reveals some of the assistive technology...
Assistive Eating, Universal Utensil Holder. Almost for Free: Many people suffer form conditions that affect their hands, it could be arthritis, muscle pain, or any other disability that does not allow them to even hold a spoon when eating. This universal holder is design to help those…
Queensland University of Technology student Ching-Hao Hsu has designed a device to help rheumatoid arthritis sufferers get a better grip on hot cookware
